What are plastic surgery apps good for?

The benefits and dangers of plastic surgery apps aren’t well described yet--in part because these apps are largely still in development and it’s not entirely clear what they would do. We can make some guesses--these apps will likely have photos that recreate actual plastic surgery results, for example. But should that “facelift filter” make sure that certain information is conveyed as well? Do we want plastic surgery to seem easy even when it presents certain challenges? Or should we just let the plastic surgeon be the final arbiter? These are good questions raised by plastic surgery apps.

The Benefits and Dangers of Plastic Surgery Apps

The world of the plastic surgery app is, likely, inevitable. That’s why, before they get too big, it might be wise to explore some of the benefits and dangers of plastic surgery apps. As with any type of application development, plastic surgery apps have the ability to yield both good and ill. And they certainly aren’t alone.

The Benefits and Dangers of Plastic Surgery Apps

Some people have already discussed how social media apps can lead to certain types of body dysmorphia or encourage plastic surgery on their own. To a certain extent, it’s possible that Snapchat and Instagram will be remembered as the first plastic surgery apps.

That is, if you’re looking through the right lens. Because of the limited appeal of the actual procedures, plastic surgery apps will never be quite as popular as, say, social media. But no one’s really expecting that. Instead, the developers of these apps are counting on the rather devoted fanbase that plastic surgery currently enjoys. There’s a niche there that might find certain apps quite appealing. That’s why knowing the benefits and dangers of plastic surgery apps can be beneficial for everyone.

The Clear Cut Benefits of Plastic Surgery Apps

The benefits of these apps are not exactly difficult to find, though some of them may certainly be unexpected. We recognize that, to a large degree, many of these plastic surgery apps have not been entirely designed yet. So some of their benefits (and drawbacks) will be difficult to totally anticipate. However, we’re going to make some assumptions based on what we think most apps will do. And our list for that is this:

We think most apps are going to provide information for patients on procedures, recovery, etc.

Most apps will likely provide the ability for patients to get in touch with surgeons–maybe even do video consultations over the app.

Additionally, we think many apps will enable patients to use photo filters to create simulations of their results.

The abilities to easily learn about procedures and get in touch with surgeons are both good and not entirely new. The internet is already quite good at both of those activities–and most people have the internet on their phones. However, the ease with which these activities are combined may help patients choose the perfect procedure from the perfect surgeon, which is certainly a good thing.

The Benefits of Filters on Photos

It’s the filters that, I think, raise more questions–both in terms of their utility and their possible dangers. Let’s put it like this. I imagine these plastic surgery apps having both simple and complex filter settings. You could click the “facelift” filter and see how that changes your face–and then make alterations to that filter so that it fits your desired results perfectly. The benefits of this seem pretty clear:

Such an image can help you illustrate to your surgeon what you really want

This could make it easier to find the right procedure for you

You can get a better sense of how plastic surgery can change your features or your body

You will be able to better communicate with your surgeon precisely what you want

Will it Make Plastic Surgery Seem Too Easy?

Of course, the most significant drawback is also this app’s primary strength: the changes are easy to accomplish. Changing your face by changing filters can make plastic surgery, I fear, seem too easy. So maybe you start thinking about procedures that, for various reasons, have never crossed your mind before.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but you can see how it could easily lead to some rash decisions. It could make you unhappy with areas of your body that previously didn’t really bother you. And that can be an issue. And, to be fair, that’s the danger inherent in some of these social media filters as well–so it’s not as though these plastic surgery apps will be altogether different.

Access to plastic surgery–and the knowledge about it–is not supposed to be difficult. But the risks involved with plastic surgery should never be minimized. And there’s always a danger that these apps will help people visualize the change without the accompanying recovery.

Changes Big and Small

Yet, there’s no denying that plastic surgery apps are going to have a huge impact on plastic surgery and the marketing of procedures. Surgeons need to be prepared for that eventuality. And patients need more information–accurate information. Hopefully, in addition to bringing on the entertainment, these plastic surgery apps can bring the information as well.

I won’t shock anyone to say that the benefits and dangers of plastic surgery will largely be determined in how we actually use them. There will be incredible benefits if these apps are used responsibly, and some significant dangers if they are not. It’s important to take on plastic surgery as something serious–so be thoughtful as you have fun on your new plastic surgery apps. But you should still have fun.